However, the couple released a statement to the magazine that they are splitting on the best of terms.

We have mutually decided to end our marriage. We'll always be family and continue to cherish our relationship based on the special love, integrity, and respect we have always enjoyed.

According to USA Today the two met back in 1999 at a mutual friend's wedding reception. From there, it was a two-year love affair that culminated in marriage for the two and for Judd, a new appreciation for racing.

The 44-year old actress who is a tremendous Kentucky sports fan once admitted she knew little about racing, but soon offered she was, "as comfortable in the pits as I am barefoot in my garden."

Judd, who recently starred in the TV series Missing, has a new movie called Olympus Has Fallen due out on March 22.

If there is any movie I have to credit during her prolific career, it has to be Double Jeopardy which is the kind of movie you catch half-way through when it's on TV and are mandated to grab a seat and watch the rest.

As for the couple, consider them as happy as a pair can be at this emotional time.

Judd tweeted some measure of hope they will be as close a unit as they can be after divorce.

The couple did not have any children and will now head into careers that will monopolize much of their time.

Franchitti recently raced at the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway and will start his season shortly. Judd will continue acting while still flirting at a run for public office.

The USA Today report reminds us she is mulling over a run for US Senate from Kentucky, offering, "the people of Kentucky need a fighter. And certainly going back 10 generations, I've got some fighters from those hills in my family."

We wish both well and certainly hope the split remains as amicable as it seems to be.